New car market shows small decline in October

NFDA 05/11/2018

“October’s small decline in new car sales shows that WLTP continues to distort the market and constrain the supply of new vehicles to the UK”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK commenting on today’s SMMT new passenger car registration figures.

New passenger car registrations declined by -2.9% in October with 153,599 units registered. Year to date, the market is -7.2% down from last year with 2,064,419 new cars registered. Sales of petrol cars rose by 7.1%, diesel was down -21.3% and alternative fuel vehicles grew by 30.7%.

Robinson added, “NFDA is encouraged by the strong sales of used vehicles and the continuously increasing market share of AFVs, whose sales were up 30.7% in October. It is vital that this key segment of the market continues to be supported by the Government.

“Despite short-term challenges, consumer footfall remains strong. Retailers are working hard to inform UK motorists about the new generation, WLTP compliant diesel and petrol cars as well as electric and plug-in hybrids, where consumers’ confidence still needs to be supported.

“As stock supply improves, we expect the market to perform better going forward and, in particular, in the first quarter of 2019”.

About the RMI

The Retail Motor Industry represents the interests of operators in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man providing sales and services to motorists and businesses. The RMI has a formal association with the independent Scottish Motor Trade Association which represents the retail motor industry in Scotland.